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Sweet-and-Sour Meat Loaf Recipe

My husband and I like basic, hearty meat-and-potatoes meals. The sweet-and-sour flavor adds a deliciously different twist to this longtime standby. I hardly ever make plain meat loaf anymore. You may not, either, once you've tasted this one. —Debbie Haneke, Stafford, Kansas

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. Bake: 1 hour YIELD:6 servings

Sweet-and-Sour Meat Loaf Recipe

My husband and I like basic, hearty meat-and-potatoes meals. The sweet-and-sour flavor adds a deliciously different twist to this longtime standby. I hardly ever make plain meat loaf anymore. You may not, either, once you've tasted this one. —Debbie Haneke, Stafford, Kansas

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. Bake: 1 hour YIELD:6 servings

Ingredients

1 cup dry bread crumbs

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1-1/2 pounds ground beef

1 teaspoon dried minced onion

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, divided

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

2 teaspoons prepared mustard

Directions

1.In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, salt, pepper and eggs; crumble beef over top and mix well. Add onion and half of the tomato sauce. Press into a 9x5-in. loaf pan.

2. Bake at 350° for 50 minutes. In a saucepan, combine the sugars, vinegar, mustard and remaining tomato sauce; bring to a boil. Pour over meat loaf; bake 10 minutes longer or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°.

Reviews for Sweet-and-Sour Meat Loaf

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"My family likes this recipe. You can make the sauce more sweet and sour if that is the taste your family prefers. I found the recipe to be good just the way it is for my families taste."

MY REVIEW

ladydi001 User ID: 8895708259608

Reviewed Jan. 13, 2017

"Great Recipe. I made as written and it was delicious but I prefer using crackers instead of bread crumbs in my meat loaf (guess it's what you get used to), so the next time I doubled the recipe and made it with a sleeve and a half saltine crackers and added a packet of onion soup mix for more robust flavor. It was absolutely delicious. I froze one of the loafs uncooked along with a baggie of the prepared sauce for an easy fix meal later. Next time I might also try making all the tomato sauce into the topping sauce and adding half to the mixture instead of straight tomato sauce. I am also going to use this sauce for my meatball appetizers in my slow cooker."

MY REVIEW

JohnRascal2 User ID: 8492879259573

Reviewed Jan. 12, 2017

"Great recipe. My only adjustment was to prepare the topping sauce and add that to the meat mixture rather than straight tomato sauce. Delicious. I definitely will make again."

MY REVIEW

mastifflady User ID: 4620346259473

Reviewed Jan. 9, 2017

"I have also used this recipe for years. Everyone has loved it. I was so glad to see this recipe, lost it in moving. Will print and put it in recipe box. The sauce is what makes it so good."

MY REVIEW

gunslinger User ID: 544392258548

Reviewed Dec. 24, 2016

"Very good! The sauce was delicious!"

MY REVIEW

mom2tek User ID: 2534958253503

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2016

"This is a family favorite! Every time I make this they love it and tell me I should make it every day. Even my kids eat it up!"

MY REVIEW

KristineChayes User ID: 1441542252638

Reviewed Aug. 13, 2016

"The meatloaf was very tasty but, based on some of the reviews, I omitted the 1/2 cup sugar, increased the brown sugar to 1/2 cup, and added an extra tablespoon of vinegar to the sauce/topping to produce a stronger sweet-sour taste. My family loved it! Thanks for the recipe."

MY REVIEW

LAM1 User ID: 1190538243401

Reviewed Feb. 7, 2016

"I have made this recipe for years. It is great - I don't change a thing except occasional use 1/2 ground beef & 1/2 ground turkey."

MY REVIEW

dschultz01 User ID: 1076910242951

Reviewed Jan. 31, 2016

"Great easy recipe for meatloaf. Didn't have much of a sweet n sour taste, but was still very good!"

MY REVIEW

BelleChis User ID: 8556146242233

Reviewed Jan. 21, 2016

"Love this recipe, it's easy and tasty, make it for my family often. I add green pepper and worcestershire sauce for a bit more zip. Thanks for sharing."

MY REVIEW

IngaMari User ID: 5779302235131

Reviewed Oct. 17, 2015

"I did not like this at all. I will probably feed the leftovers to the dog! This did not taste like sweet & sour at all. When I was making it I thought it seemed like a lot of sugar and it was . The meatloaf was super sweet tasting.

Neither my husband or I liked it and I will not make it again."

MY REVIEW

srwm User ID: 6631422234357

Reviewed Oct. 11, 2015

"Okay, but not great. Did not taste like sweet & sour."

MY REVIEW

nicebass User ID: 4061988215559

Reviewed Dec. 21, 2014

"My husband loved it!"

MY REVIEW

Srjr111 User ID: 8162463215127

Reviewed Dec. 17, 2014

"This was a delicious meatloaf and the sauce was fabulous! However, though we tasted the 'sweet' flavor, we couldn't really pick up the 'sour'. Should I use more cider vinegar?"

MY REVIEW

luigimon User ID: 169204015504

Reviewed Nov. 30, 2014

"Truly enjoyed this recipe. I have a standard recipe for meat loaf that is my claim to fame with my large group of friends and family, but this one is a nice change."

MY REVIEW

sjpoor User ID: 256504771599

Reviewed Oct. 12, 2014

"This is very good! I made it exactly as written and the flavor and texture were great. The sauce really makes it. There is enough sauce to put some on the cut pieces as well as on the top. Will definitely make again."

MY REVIEW

rodjoacom User ID: 431123817013

Reviewed Sep. 29, 2014

"I made the recipe as given. It was very good and a delightful change from my normal recipe.

I loved the sweet and sour taste. I sure will make it again."

MY REVIEW

aestanton18 User ID: 645277841694

Reviewed Feb. 9, 2014

"I used ground turkey instead of ground beef, and added diced carrots and celery. It was amazing."

MY REVIEW

gaylene2 User ID: 336853917216

Reviewed Jan. 28, 2014

"My husband loves meat loaf even though I'm not that big on it! So I loved finding this meat loaf with a different taste! We have Italian flavored and Mexican flavored and now we have this yummy addition!"

MY REVIEW

Anushkita User ID: 760121534851

Reviewed Jan. 12, 2014

"I am loving it all!!! I will tell you when I try them! Thanks!!"

MY REVIEW

SandyBG User ID: 722479037818

Reviewed Jan. 7, 2014

"A favorite meatloaf, with sweet and sour flavor - Loved it!"

MY REVIEW

sdch User ID: 7580050201822

Reviewed Jan. 3, 2014

"I am not a big meatloaf fan, but this meatloaf is one my family absolutely loves!"

MY REVIEW

danielleylee User ID: 448488612450

Reviewed Oct. 29, 2013

"I made this for dinner tonight and it turned out really well. I even used 93% fat reduced ground beef, no added salt tomato sauce, and whole wheat bread crumbs. My husband says this is the best meatloaf he has ever had, which even beats his own recipe! He said this is a good departure from the traditional meatloaf. It is not too sweet yet not too sour either. So I would say this is a winner..winner!! We will be making this recipe again for sure."

MY REVIEW

Readbabe User ID: 663628037816

Reviewed Oct. 10, 2013

"Sorry I didn't like this one...some of my family did but I will stick with the tried and try Meat Loaf"

MY REVIEW

SDawsonH User ID: 477835242903

Reviewed Oct. 7, 2013

"This was really a hit...my boyfriend loved it and the leftovers were just great...so easy!"

MY REVIEW

Igraine32 User ID: 700658517213

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2013

"Btw, calories on this is incorrect. I used Chuck & the total calories per servings was 548 calories."

MY REVIEW

janethil User ID: 373063712446

Reviewed Jun. 10, 2013

"All the family members (even the picky eaters) loved this recipe. It was very easy and one that I'm sure will be used many times!"

MY REVIEW

SassyLacey User ID: 496289134833

Reviewed May. 22, 2013

"Did ot like this recipe at all. Husband loves almost anything with ground beef & he said please do not make this again. We ate it the first night but then threw it out. Made it just as the recipe called."

MY REVIEW

ShannonLeigh86 User ID: 100905917212

Reviewed May. 8, 2013

"Loved the flavor! Paired well with the Taste of Home 'Grandma's Honey Muffins'. Will make again! My new favorite meatloaf."

MY REVIEW

allykenai User ID: 517017417669

Reviewed Apr. 28, 2013

"Very good and easy to put together. I used 1 lb. lean beef and 1 lb. lean turkey. Used 3/4 cup bread crumbs; 1/2 cup oats. Also used 1/2 cup finely chopped onions. Added the sauce, which is excellent, 25 min before done. Total baking time was 65 minutes."

MY REVIEW

janethil User ID: 373063717005

Reviewed Apr. 27, 2013

"I used fresh minced onions since I didn't have dried onions. The recipe is excellent and so easy to prepare. Will definitely be making this again!"

MY REVIEW

tsvegh User ID: 452005244537

Reviewed Apr. 27, 2013

"I had a desire for some meatloaf, but didn?t have a recipe. When this I found this recipe I was intrigued, so I gave it a whirl. It was great! My wife and I both loved it. I will make this again. I did a couple of modifications. I used fresh onion instead of dried. I also used condensed tomato soup instead of the tomato sauce. My only complaint is there was not enough sauce! I wanted more, it was so tasty."

MY REVIEW

dsicard User ID: 145508042484

Reviewed Apr. 27, 2013

"this recipe has been around more than 50 years. My grandmother used this recipe when I was a child.An absolute best recipe. It is definitely a 5+ start recipe!"

MY REVIEW

miller.kassandra User ID: 643213840549

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2013

"I double the sauce recipe and use half for "dipping".... Absolutely yummy!! I never thought I could eat meatloaf without ketchup!!!"

MY REVIEW

kewlkicker User ID: 715450937810

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2013

"Though I substituted heinz chile sauce for the tomato sauce for more of a tang"

MY REVIEW

lose10006 User ID: 451192637809

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2013

"This is a great recipe. I use Manwich on top. The spices are perfect with meatloaf. Mmmm"

MY REVIEW

dihiggins User ID: 421140640546

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2013

"My mother used to make a recipe like this for all us kids only she used ketchup instead of tomato sauce and a little cheese on top!"

"OMG-This is pretty much the recipe my Mom used while we were growing up in the 50's, and she called it "Dutch Meat Loaf". The only differences were using fresh chopped onion, molasses instead of the brown sugar, and fresh bread crumbs instead of dried. Oh, and a cup of water in the sauce, which we just pour over and let bake with the meat loaf. Makes the best sauce, which we used on mashed potatoes instead of gravy. This is by far the best meat loaf recipe, ever!"

MY REVIEW

SimpleFoods User ID: 716037337807

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2013Edited Jan. 25, 2017

"Don't know why I never used this sauce/topping with a beef meatloaf. I've always had it on ham loaf (at potlucks) and I don't care that much for ham loaf. This is perfect with ground beef meat loaf! Thanks!"

MY REVIEW

jimbob107 User ID: 434695271403

Reviewed Apr. 17, 2013

"Great recipe. I add a shredded carrot or two into the loaf to sneak in an extra veggie to the meal."

MY REVIEW

DaniCalifornia User ID: 209115412443

Reviewed Nov. 18, 2012

"This is my go-to meatloaf recipe!"

MY REVIEW

Weems Grnadma User ID: 430400114059

Reviewed Oct. 5, 2012

"I know I am getting old when this is already my regular meatloaf recipe have used for decades except use fresh diced onion and oatmeal instead of bread crumbs. With oatmeal the loaf is firm enough to stand by itself in a larger pan, even your broiled pan, and then you can add baby carrots, quartered onions and chunks of new potatoes around it and cook it all at the same time. Turn the vegetables in the small amount of grease produced but nicely self drained from the meatloaf. Smells good while cooking, too, and the leftover meatloaf is perfect for sandwiches."

MY REVIEW

looper42 User ID: 2483182201821

Reviewed May. 31, 2012Edited Jan. 25, 2017

"This was a BIG hit with my husband and son. easy and we love the sweet/sour flavor that it gives. This recipe beats the old fashion recipe with onion soup mix. This recipe is a keeper."

MY REVIEW

Kathy2688515 User ID: 596791412440

Reviewed Mar. 22, 2012

"My family loved this. I have a 16 year old picky eater and he even ate it. It was very good."

MY REVIEW

Britlowery User ID: 657678340504

Reviewed Mar. 14, 2012Edited Jan. 25, 2017

"I have never been the cooking type, but decided to try some new recipes. I came across this recipe and it was and still is a HUGE hit for my family. It is an easy step by step recipe."

MY REVIEW

TOHfoodie User ID: 3640360201820

Reviewed Dec. 3, 2011

"This meatloaf is MARVELOUS!!! I even made it for my sister (who doesn't care for meatloaf!); she LOVED it and wanted the recipe! I always use ground turkey instead of hamburger (trying to eat healthier!). For those of you that think you don't like meatloaf; one taste of this recipe and you'll change your mind!"

MY REVIEW

wifeybabe30 User ID: 185022315502

Reviewed Nov. 24, 2011

"made two meatloafs at the same time and froze one. Both loafs were fabulous, a really zesty upgrade to meatloaf"

MY REVIEW

sands351 User ID: 103617017668

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2011

"This was very good. My standby meat loaf recipe has been tossed and replaced with this. The sauce is fantastic."

MY REVIEW

smstillinger User ID: 309433337806

Reviewed Oct. 20, 2011

"Really good meat loaf, even the kids loved it."

MY REVIEW

tptaylor13 User ID: 291247344527

Reviewed Oct. 13, 2011

"Have made this several times. Always moist and very flavorful."

MY REVIEW

jmkasprak User ID: 288025614058

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2011

"This is a very good meat loaf recipe. I shaped the meat into 6 loaves and drained the pan before pouring the sauce over it."

MY REVIEW

blessednest User ID: 141648442892

Reviewed Sep. 2, 2011

"My husband teases me when I serve him meatloaf, asking which recipe it is. He claims I have had more than 100 meat loaf recipes. After this one, I'll look no further. This is the best yet!"

MY REVIEW

familycook322 User ID: 611558117210

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2011

"My family loved it!!! I will make this again"

MY REVIEW

momof29 User ID: 610535915499

Reviewed Aug. 5, 2011

"4 of our 13 children tried this recipe. I stopped them after the 2nd round in order for the rest of the family to have their share! I put it in the crockpot it was simple and easy! YUMMY!!!!"

MY REVIEW

tigpohlet User ID: 100561617660

Reviewed Jul. 16, 2011

"This has become a family favorite! Even my pickiest eater loves it & asks for seconds, a rarity for this child."

MY REVIEW

momio User ID: 2526647201819

Reviewed Apr. 4, 2011

"We all really liked it!"

MY REVIEW

LadyCloudDancer User ID: 566809615494

Reviewed Feb. 18, 2011

"My boyfriend, who eats NOTHING that is "out of the ordinary" and never tries anything new, devoured this and then two more pans of it in the next week! Simple and delicious!!"

MY REVIEW

cmrapp User ID: 389729834830

Reviewed Jan. 18, 2011

"I used 1lb hamburger and 1lb ground sausage... excellent!"

MY REVIEW

grandmaellie User ID: 274885340500

Reviewed Nov. 14, 2010

"I tried this recpe and couple of weeks ago and couldn't remember WHERE IT WAS! Thank goodness, I found it again! Substituted pretzel crumbs and butter cracker crumbs

WOW!! This will be the ONLY meatloaf recipe n our house from NOW ON!"

MY REVIEW

nanbechert User ID: 554207217003

Reviewed Nov. 10, 2010

"P.S. Put a few pieces of bread underneath the meatloaf to absorb the grease as it is baking. Works great!!"

MY REVIEW

nanbechert User ID: 554207271362

Reviewed Nov. 10, 2010

"Yummy! For the sauce I substituted a 7oz. bottle of chili sauce instead of the tomato sauce and it was tangy yet sweet. This I will make again."

MY REVIEW

suzanneconrad User ID: 321655316998

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2010

"I found this recipe several years ago on an insert with your magazine. It is excellent. I double to sauce to have extra to use as gravy over mashed potatoes.This has become a staple in my house."

MY REVIEW

kpierce101 User ID: 516754644526

Reviewed Jul. 25, 2010

"My family and i love the twist off regular meatloaf. The flavors are terrific. I use leaner ground beef so there isnt as much oil in the pans. 90/10 works great"

MY REVIEW

Sheena427 User ID: 512614337804

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2010

"By far the best meatloaf I've ever had. It would probably taste great on a sandwich but there wasn't any left for me to try it that way!"

MY REVIEW

thupfeld1 User ID: 185691415493

Reviewed Mar. 19, 2010

"The sauce is wonderful. Great recipe. My 4-year old daughter even liked it and she is extremely picky. YUM!"

MY REVIEW

bjq User ID: 391460617209

Reviewed Feb. 24, 2010

"This is my all time favorite meatloaf recipe that I've been making for years. I follow the recipe to the letter. No more dry meatloaf recipes for my family!"

MY REVIEW

swinny User ID: 185848217208

Reviewed Dec. 12, 2009

"This is my 2nd time making this and it was delicious again!!!"

MY REVIEW

jpowell100 User ID: 425553712433

Reviewed Nov. 6, 2009

"I made this meatloaf for husband and daughter and they both said it was the best meatloaf I ever made. It's so moist and the sauce makes it oh so yummy. It's a new family favorite. Will definately make again and again..."

MY REVIEW

PucciBaby User ID: 309944116995

Reviewed Oct. 21, 2009

"This meatloaf was so good. It's so different than your regular run of the mill meatloaf. the sauce was so yummy and there was plenty left over for dipping. the meatloaf absorbed a lot of the sauce and it was so moist and flavorful. will def. be making this again!"

MY REVIEW

Redsoxgirl71 User ID: 147862717207

Reviewed Apr. 7, 2009Edited Jan. 25, 2017

"This meatloaf recipe is a family favorite. My kids love it more than the adults! Definitely worth it's 5 star rating!"

MY REVIEW

jeanskid User ID: 148540817975

Reviewed Feb. 26, 2009Edited Jan. 25, 2017

"This is my favorite meatloaf recipe. I love it cold too or a sandwich from the leftovers. Just delicious !"

MY REVIEW

bakingmad User ID: 87520014056

Reviewed Jan. 8, 2008Edited Jan. 25, 2017

"Though I use a slightly different meatloaf mixture, I make the sauce as written. The recipe poster is right - since finding this recipe some years ago, I never make "neked" meatloaf anymore! We especially like it with garlic smashed potatoes, buttered green beans, and homemade biscuits. Comfort food at its best!"